Gemotions

The shared diagnosis. The mutual pity. He couldn't stand it. He’d lived his life a certain way, and now this stranger, Michael, had come along and ruined it. The thought of this man, with his overly friendly demeanor, being connected to him for the rest of his life was unbearable.

Michael wanted to be friends. He wanted to share resources, to compare notes, to build a support network. The very thought made his stomach churn.

"That's very generous," he said, his voice carefully controlled, "but I've found a different approach." He paused, letting the silence hang. "Why don't you let me handle everything? I've already done all of the work. You don't have to worry about anything." He wanted Michael to be completely at his mercy. He wanted to see him squirm.